Install Steam
login
|
language
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
日本語 (Japanese)
한국어 (Korean)
ไทย (Thai)
Български (Bulgarian)
Čeština (Czech)
Dansk (Danish)
Deutsch (German)
Español - España (Spanish - Spain)
Español - Latinoamérica (Spanish - Latin America)
Ελληνικά (Greek)
Français (French)
Italiano (Italian)
Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
Magyar (Hungarian)
Nederlands (Dutch)
Norsk (Norwegian)
Polski (Polish)
Português (Portuguese - Portugal)
Português - Brasil (Portuguese - Brazil)
Română (Romanian)
Русский (Russian)
Suomi (Finnish)
Svenska (Swedish)
Türkçe (Turkish)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Українська (Ukrainian)
Report a translation problem
Please remember the difference between the Panzer IV J vs the Panzer IV H:
“Which keep in mind, at low Rank III, the difference between 0.3 BRs is literally 4mm of side hull armour and turret traverse speed.”
T-55A (8.3) vs T-55AM-1 (8.7)
The T-55A is an 8.3 main battle tank in the rank 6 soviet lineup after the T-62 (for some reason?), armed with various ammunition, up to it’s best shell, the 1970s 3BM25 APFSDS ammunition.
The T-55AM-1 is a premium 8.7 main battle tank in the rank 5 soviet lineup available at the low low price of 70 USD (ok it comes with a helicopter)(Edit: not anymore apparently, that’s nice I guess?). With the difference of 0.3 BR, the T-55AM-1 has almost no disadvantages to the T-55A whatsoever, and the following advantages over the T-55A:
> Upgrade from a 580 HP engine to a 690 HP engine.
> Increased turret traverse
> A large slab of composite armour on the upper frontal plate, making it immune from almost every full caliber AP shell in the game, most APDS rounds, 105mm or lesser HEAT-FS munitions, HESH, and even lower strength APFSDS, and more.
> BDD armour covering the front sides of the turret, making parts of the turret as defended as a M1 Abrams.
> The addition of a laser rangefinder capable of determining a range to a target up to 4.7 km away to the nearest 25m, in about 1 second.
> The addition of a Anti-Tank Guided Missile capable of penetrating 650mm of RHA, with a range of 4km.
The only disadvantage the T-55AM-1 does not have over the T-55A is the T-55AM-1 loosing 2 degrees of gun elevation.
T-34-85 (5.7) vs T-44 (6.3)
The T-44 has very little disadvantages over the T-34-85, meanwhile, the following advantages are obtained:
> Double the hull armour, 45mm to 90mm of armour, both angled the same.
> 90mm of turret armour to 120mm thick turret.
> Increased mobility, both tanks have the same 500 HP engine, however, the T-44 has a 60km/h top speed while the T-34-85 has a 55km/h speed, as well, the T-44 is 200kg lighter, giving it a higher HP/t (ok 200kg, but for argument, you can very well say both are identical).
> Increased penetration, for the same gun, the T-44 recives the post war BR-367 APCBC shell with 155mm of penetration at 100m, and improved APCR, the BR-367P, with 229mm of penetration at 100m.
The two only disadvantages I can find,
the part of the side of the T-34-85 has some angling, which frankly doesn’t matter at that tier with 45mm of armour,
and the T-34-85 has 2 extra degrees of gun elevation.
Compared to a lower tier, changes in every aspect to the tank qualify at minimum at least a 1.0 BR difference, especially changes as significant as doubling the frontal armour, while not only keeping but increasing mobility and firepower. Meanwhile, the T-44 remains only 0.7 BR above vehicles like the T-34-85, Tiger H1, M4A3E2 (75) W, and more. As well, this tank is 1.0 BR away from, which it does see, tanks like the M4A3E8, Challenger, M18 GMC, Jagdpanzer IV L/70, and more.
Panther D and Tiger H1 (5.7) vs Panther A and Tiger E (5.7)
Tanks of obviously better class with a battle rating difference of 0.0, yet with the Tiger E for example, used to be 6.0 and proved to not be a satisfactory battle rating for it. A separate class of tanks at 5.7 has emerged, tanks that used to be 6.0 even moved to 5.7, despite other 5.7s being obviously worse than the top 5.7s.
Which this isn’t the only example, tanks obviously being worse than other tanks is abundant at other BRs, but no change can be made because they are too weak to be moved up, or too strong to be moved down. Because there are no ‘in between’ BRs to move them to, which BR decompression will do.
Now to add, the Tiger H1 is 5.3 as they realized the difference between the Tiger E and Tiger H1. “This fixed it” – now the Sherman equals the Tiger now? Now 4.3s fight Tigers and now the Sherman is “equal” to the Tiger (literally Tigers vs Shermans) – this is not only an example of BR compression, but that BR compression is getting worse, as now tanks like the ISU-152 and Tiger H1 are being moved down.
M26 (6.3) vs M26E1 and M26E1-1 (6.3)
Another example of a class of tanks that are better than others at the battle rating of 6.3 now.
M26 vs M26E1
> E1 gains about ~1.3 tonnes, decreasing it’s HP/t by about 0.4.
> E1 loses 5 degrees of gun elevation.
> E1 has 202mm/216mm/266mm of penetration at 100mm with APCBC/AP/HVAP (respectively)(Edit: penetration calculator changed this – APCBC is now over 220mm), the M26 has 164mm/188mm/260mm.
Essentially, there is barely anything to justify the M26E1 being the same battle rating as the M26, but yet it underperforms when the comparison to 6.7.
M26 vs M26E1-1
> E1-1 loses about 2.0 HP/t, but keeps the same top speed
That’s literally it, as the E1-1,
> gets the same exact increased gun performance as the M26E1
> Approximately 130mm of angled armour against KEP protection, giving it similar hull armour to the T32.
> 187.4mm of KEP protection at the thinnest part of the turret mantlet, more than the Tiger II’s turret. The Mantlet under the 80mm RHA plate is rounded, so if not hit dead on, slope modifiers apply.
The M26E1-1 loses a little bit of mobility, and it has more armour than a Tiger II on average, AND a better gun than the M26 at it’s own BR. Which these changes do carry over to many other 6.3 tanks, shedding light at multiple classes of tanks that exist at the exact same battle rating. Meanwhile, the M26E1-1 is not necessarily equipped for 6.7 battle rating. It’s mobility is either equal or worse than the Tiger, the gun is inferior to the 8.8cm KwK L/71, and the armour is superior, but not by a large factor.
T-72A gets a more powerful engine to off-set the marginal weight difference, better composite armour almost equal to the T-80B obr. 1985, and the same gun. The T-64A at the same battle rating to the T-72A is undoubtedly inferior.
Which part 2: with a 0.3 BR difference, the T-64B obr. 1984 at 9.7 has a heavy 5 layer composite armour plate, possibly the strongest upper frontal plate in the game, Kontakt-1 ERA upgrade, improved ammunition, and only a few tonne increase, a marginal difference in mobility.
Tiger II (H) (6.7) vs T-54 obr. 1951 (7.7)
To compare 2 different vehicles of different vehicles, that actually encounter each other on the battlefield in War Thunder Realistic Battles, a comparison of 2 old vehicles, that the strength gap between them has only increased, due to the modernization of the game and it’s ammunition, but the failure to accommodate in the battle rating system.
I am not a player that preaches that WW2 vehicles and Cold War vehicles should be separated. However, I do not think there is enough of a gap between many vehicles in this range, due to the modernization of ammunition, and tanks in general, combined with of course, BR compression. This is from the perspective of a T-54 player, I can vouch this is not at all whatsoever, a fair fight.
The Tiger II (H) keeps it’s technical advantage of having more upper frontal plate armour, but quite insignificantly. However, both are about as hard, or easy, to kill. The T-54 has a 100mm RHA plate angled at 60 degrees, while the Tiger has a 150mm plate at about 45, 50 degrees. However, the lower plate of the Tiger II is 100mm, and the turret is 185mm, while the T-54 has a 100mm plate at more of an extreme angle, and extremely small to hit, combined with a 200mm rounded turret, that is hard to hit directly. The T-54 is about as hard, if not harder to kill than this tank that’s main advantage is armour.
At zero cost of mobility. The T-54 has nearly a 15 HP/t ratio, while the Tiger II has a little over 10. 68 tonnes vs 35.5, and a 42 km/h top speed vs a 50 km/h. The T-54 is not a Leopard, however, it is for sure a superior tank by far in mobility, driving like a WW2 medium tank, while being harder to kill than the Tiger II (H).
Which by this assessment, the T-54 would assumable have a weaker or even a slightly better gun, to compensate for being a low profile tank that drives like a medium tank, and is just as hard to kill. If this was the case, it would be a tank that deserves to be a 1.0 BR change, since the Tiger II otherwise wouldn’t be competitive against it at all really.
Yeah not the case. I introduce the 100mm D-10T. APCBC with nearly the same explosive filler, about the same penetration, and double the shell weight.
Well ok, about equal, I would say it would justify a 1.0 BR increase… except,
3BM8: 298mm of penetration APDS at 100mm, 1415 m/s shell velocity. Not major, but now the gun is defiantly better.
3BK5: This shell. 380mm of RHA penetration at all ranges.
This is why the T-54 should never see the Tiger II, and other similar tanks like the T29 and T34, etc. Summary of the tank with what this shell can do:
The Tiger II is about the same strength. About 2/3rds the mobility of the T-54. Combined with this, with the same reload (ok, a 0.1 second difference stock), the T-54 not only equals or outperforms the Tiger II in the other categories, the T-54 can penetrate the Tiger II (H) and almost every other tank it ever meets at literally any range and at almost every angle. Meanwhile, the Tiger II has difficulty even hurting the T-54, I can take it on Kursk, and literally just sit in the open without threat. Main Battle Tanks do everything better than many tanks it meets, not by just a little bit.
This isn’t how the system should work. Every tank should be inferior in an uptier, that should be the case. But every tank should be and deserves to be competitive, even in an uptier. I can give example after example, if you have a problem about a vehicle rank 3-6, 95% of the time, I can trace it to the ultimate answer: BR compression.
As you know, vehicles as a trend overall have been going down, not up.
The Tiger H1 is now literally the same BR as the Sherman.
The Jagdtiger is now the same BR as the standard 8.8cm Tiger II, the same applies to the up-engined Sla.16, and now the fictional Tiger II mit 10.5cm L/68.
The ISU-122 now can face Panzer IV Hs.
The MBT-70, and many other 9.3s, are now 9.0.
The T-72A was added, at the same BR as the T-64A.
And of course, the most obvious examples: when I first finished the draft of this suggestion, top tier was the M1IP and T-80B obr. 1985. Without any sort of BR increase, tanks like the T-80U, M1A1, Leclerc series 1, C1 Ariete, and even the Leopard 2A5 Main Battle Tank now exist at the same exact top tier as the top tier when this started, and nothing has been moved up: only down.
The response has been given that more information was needed before moving these vehicles up.
It has been over seven months.
I honestly believe I can trace almost, not all, but almost all balance issues people have complained about (tanks being inferior to tanks at the same BR, tanks not being competitive very much in an uptier, etc.) to BR compression, and, well for example, the M4A3E2 (76) W is 0.7 BR away from a tank that can penetrate it thousands of meters away, meanwhile is 99% immune to it frontally even with APCR loaded...
In 2014 or 2015, the worst opponents you could face at 6.7 was the Tiger II (H) in the T-34-85, or the worst opponents in the Tiger II (H) you could face was the T-54s, but before the introduction of HEAT-FS. Now the T-34-85 is the same BR as the Panther A (which the Panther A has more penetration, reload, frontal armour, HP/t, top speed, with only minor disadvantages like less reverse speed and it’s 40mm side armour not being slightly angled like the T-34), faces Jagdtigers it cannot penetrate with APCR even and can be penetrated in return at well over 3km, and the Tiger II (H) is the same BR as the superior Tiger II Sla.16, Tiger II mit 10.5cm L/68, and faces T-54 obr. 1951s, but this time with HEAT-FS that can penetrate it at any range or angle. Not only I want to see BR decompression, but I want to know when will the continual compression will end? When the Panzer IV H fights IS-2s? T-55As vs Challenger Mk.3s? T-34E obr. 1941s vs Tiger H1s? I just wanted to put this here, to remind people that not only BR compression exists 5.7-10.0, but it is getting worse as we have seen, especially the last couple years.
To be organized and somewhat logical with the suggestions for the new battle ratings of the vehicles, a guideline was created. To show how BR decompression is changed throughout the ranks, the chart shows what battle ratings I have suggested to be decompressed or not decompressed by certain amounts.
NOTE:
> This guideline is not followed 100%. It is a guideline, not a rule. Vehicles that I honestly would fit in the new system in a different place, I placed it there, if you think I am wrong about something, say so. As well, conventional ammunition and cold war ammunition was considered more rank 4-5 for main battle tanks, since the old system did not make any change whatsoever for example, when the T-54’s HEAT was added, from a previous example.
> This is a SUGGESTION, I don’t expect it to be perfect.
> This ultimately is not about the individual battle ratings. This is about BR Decompression: the idea. This gives a vehicle-by-vehicle example of what it could look like.
General Guideline:
https://gyazo.com/7ae61d5a97bb8c97131e560a2ee7d168
United States
https://gyazo.com/cf084aa710f5a1972463e4278ee7f920
Germany https://gyazo.com/affa995fe2cba89fe518d025209fe1c3
United Socialist Soviet Republic
https://gyazo.com/eb5dbe30d8f6684fc136641443b0ea91
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/132eb3087a1ab0cf83080e164f17de21
Japan
https://gyazo.com/37edeb35e0e02e47e6c8d66a8ee50536
Italy https://gyazo.com/262db9efdb225b6c990ea284bfe7e2e7
France
https://gyazo.com/a6c2672bad90463a5515e074161e2722
Explanations of each I have decided this time to make via colour-coding, where each range I made a specific colour in order to explain in detail what I have done in my suggestion with them.
“Not Enough Information” means I do not have enough information to make an accurate estimate on what BR they should be. Giving opinions on said vehicles will be taken into consideration.
Italy has not been included in its entirety due their addition being recent.
Overall the same, standard pre 5.7. I have made some minor changes (example: M4A4(SA50)) and stuff, this is an estimate on what could change because of the penetration changes. With BR decompression 5.7+, changes would not be as harmful compared to what it would face in uptiers.
First change: 5.7, breaking apart the 5.7 range.
Reasons: The first true tier I would say BR compression is relevant and prevalent is 5.7-6.0. You got various classes of 5.7 tanks, where some 5.7 tanks are better than others.
You reach 5.7, and you meet the first major compressed tier of the game. Compression has increased due to the moving of 6.0 vehicles to 5.7, such as the M4A3E2 (76) W, IS-2 obr. 1943, PzKfw V Panther Ausf. A, PzBfw VI (P), and more to 5.7 due to mainly what these vehicles face in uptiers. Because of this, 4.7 is the first tier that meets vehicles in uptiers that are much stronger for a full 1.0 uptier than 1.0-4.3 is accustomed to, and not all, but some vehicles are no longer as competitive as they should be. Combined with this, vehicles start to become less capable at their own tier at 5.7, which is part two. The obvious examples would be the Panther D and the Panther A, or the Tiger H1 and the Tiger E. Here two are undeniably superior and inferior vehicles residing at the same battle rating, which not by necessarily a minor amount. Both inferior vehicles do not possess APCR, vital in uptiers against certain opponents, combined with the Tiger E having a superior lower frontal plate, combined with other minor improvements, while the Panther A has undeniably superior mobility over the Panther D, the main and possibly only real disadvantage for this tank at 5.7. Tanks like the Tiger H1 for say I believe is a viable tank for 4.7 tanks like the Firefly Vc or the M4A1 (76) W to meet, meanwhile, these same tanks should not face tanks like the IS-2, or the uparmoured Tiger Ausf. E.
Which another major advantage of this system is breaking apart the 5.7 battle rating. 5.7 is probably among the most played BR in the game, also making it “a black hole”. Uptiers of lower tanks to 5.7 are quite often. Not a ‘this fixes it’ solution, but this helps break it up. For example, probably one of the best 5.7 lineups in the game: Germany 5.7. German tanks currently at 5.7:
Panther A, Panther D, Tiger E, Tiger H1, Furry Tiger, Tiger (P), Waffletraktor, FlaKtoaster, plus any I missed and the excellent 5.3 alternatives.
Meanwhile, this suggestion breaks apart some of these vehicles. So for example, now you have players playing both 5.7 and 6.0, perhaps splitting the ‘black hole’ of a BR apart, at least a little.
6.0 and 6.3.
6.3 is another grouped battle rating, and at this battle rating, separate classes of vehicles exist. An example, like earlier, is the M26. The M26 is a great tank at 6.3, however, it’s not the best at 6.3 even if so. As mentioned, the M26 vs M26E series, or the M26 vs the T-44. But the mentioned vehicles are not necessarily equipped for 6.7.
So do you know what would fix this?
6.0: Most of the vehicles at 6.0 remain at its equivalent, 6.3. However, there is a mesh of 6.0 and 6.3 vehicles that are not very different, meanwhile, these 6.0 vehicles are stronger than many 6.0s, and the 6.3s are too strong for 6.0. The example would be fore example, the M26 (*cough* again *cough*) vs the Panther Ausf. F. The Panther F used to be 6.3, however, it was obsolete at 6.3 because of the higher class of 6.3s. The 6.3 M26 I would say it is about the same strength at the 6.0 Panther F. So should the M26 go to 6.0?
No.
Compare the Panther F to the Panther G, comes to the conclusion of the better tank. The Panther F has increased frontal turret armour and better turret in general, and the same hull, plus optical rangefinder, with the only cost of like, 1 second of reload? The M26 I would judge to say being the approximate same strength as the Panther A. So what would the M26 do at 6.0? Everything, the M26 is already a total monster in a downtier at 6.3, if used right. Yet it isn’t the best 6.3. Yet it can’t go to 6.0 without just slaughtering the 5.0-6.0 range. Which even brings in, does it even deserve to fight all the vehicles it faces in the 6.3 range? Lets say we put the Panther F at 6.3 – does it deserve to face M4A3E8s? Challenger? The M4A3’s APCBC has 127mm at 10m, the Panther F’s turret is 120mm of RHA, a smaller target, and has a gun that can blow away the M4 at a much farther range than it can even hurt the Panther F (at least without loading APCR), while being on top of all that, it’s a medium tank: it’s not a Ru-251, but it’s faster than heavy tanks on top of all that. Does this tank deserve to fight these tanks? A M4A3E8, or any 5.0 or 5.3 tank for the most part, simply is not competitive to a high strength 6.0 or a 6.3 tank.
OK so the ultimate point: what’s the decompression here?
6.0 goes to 6.3, as 5.7 is now 5.7 and 6.0. 6.0 overall stays at its BR as 6.3.
However,
The strongest current 6.0 tanks move to 6.7, while the regular current 6.0s are 6.3.
Meanwhile, current 6.3 goes to 7.0.
Creating a new, in between battle rating: 6.7. This battle rating can see the uptier of the best 6.0s that are stronger than others, such as the Panther F. Meanwhile, this creates a duel purpose BR for the lower end of current 6.3 to move tanks lower than the upper strength 6.3 tanks, such as the M26E, and the T-44, and more.
Combined with this, now tanks at 5.0, 5.3, and even low 5.7 won’t have to suffer against top tier 6.3s. Because, does the Tiger H1 compete against the M26E1-1 at all? No, by no means, it cannot penetrate the tank frontally, perhaps with the exception of a pathetically small weak spot like the MG port or the turret ring. Meanwhile, they have similar mobility, and the E1-1 has a way better gun, making it better in every aspect, by more than just a little bit. Or for example, the T-34-85 obr. 1943 vs the T-44. Like mentioned before, these tanks have a 1.0 difference, but one has double the armour, same if not slightly increased mobility, and better ammunition, with no real considerable downfall of the tank. The T-34-85 obr. 1943 is simply not competitive next to the T-44. Or at least not as competitive as say a T-34 obr. 1940 (3.3) is next to a T-34-57 obr. 1940 (4.3) for example.
6.7
6.7 is among another battle rating that is quite popular. As well, it also brings in some powerful vehicles, that are stronger than some of the same battle rating, yet not necessarily 7.0 worthy. Thus, 6.7 I decided to make an even split: 7.3 and 7.7. 7.3 represents a little more of the 6.7 range, while 7.0 represents the best 6.7 tanks, such as the Tiger II Sla.16, Ru 251, and T29 has examples.
With the range now reaching into the 7.3 and 7.7 range, 5.7 tanks in game will no longer meet current 6.7 tanks, which are not competitive against these tanks. Not to say these tanks are unkillable, I think it isn’t any secret that a single 5.7 tank vs a 6.7 tank will end in that 6.7 tank’s victory perhaps 4/5 times. At this point, 6.3 tanks, current in game, the 6.0 tanks, are required to meet 7.3 tanks that are the equivalent of the standards of 6.7 (T34, T30, Centurion Mk.3, and more). Meanwhile, 6.7, the equivalent of low class 6.3, high class 6.0, is required to meet the stronger side of 6.7. This includes the Ru-251, Tiger II (H) Sla.16, T29, Panther II, and others I perhaps missed. Because of this, the 5.7-6.7 range I hope is competitive in all aspects. Tanks will perform equal to each other at their own battle ratings, hopefully at least, and all vehicles will also hopefully be competitive when even up tiered; inferior still as it is an up tiered, but more comparable to the lower range, where vehicles are not as radical when it comes to their differences upon changes among the BRs.
Above 6.7
This was the hardest to consider in my opinion, as this is when Main Battle Tanks with HEAT-FS ammunition start becoming prevalent. I wanted to demonstrate as well, BR decompression also can be used as a tool to separate more advanced vehicles from conventional style vehicles, while still maintaining balance. This isn’t a biased hate against HEAT-FS, this is, ‘by the way, you forgot to update the system to accommodate the 400mm penetrating round at all ranges shell’. The result is vehicles that rely on armour no longer having their armour relevant, as well as, BR compression.
Note, some vehicles do deserve to face HEAT-FS. HEAT-FS should be encountered in your IS-4, or your Maus, but it is more so than I think it should. As well, I do not target vehicles like light tanks and tank destroyers with HEAT-FS, but rather the main battle tanks that do in fact, have armour, mobility, and a turret, as well as the good gun and the HEAT-FS shells.
To start with 7.0, the lower end of the 7.0 spectrum is designed for conventional, but powerful tanks. These include the Jagdtiger, Tiger II mit 10.5cm KwK L/68, T95, T32 and more. This will make them stronger and more relevant, but rather more balance and not overpowered, as tanks like as mentioned are too powerful for 6.7, yet their armour will be more effective as a greater disconnect between the tanks are as shown. The lower end of the 7.0 spectrum is now 8.0.
8.3 is designed for the more conventional 7.3s, and the stronger 7.0s. This includes the HEAT-FS carrying Patton, T32E1 (superior to the T32), IS-3, etc.
As I should note: I tried to keep all vehicles the same based on their performance in game currently. However, only 1 vehicle I know I actually changed is the BMP-1. Previously 7.3, I represented the BMP-1 and BMP-1 as separated vehicles, as frankly I am seriously not a fan of their combination. 2 separate vehicles of radically different strengths were combined, and it benefits almost nobody here.
The BMP-1 is comparable to the Ru-251, with inferior armour and mobility, and a low velocity gun, but a superior reload and manual guided ATGMs.
The BMP-1P is a very strong vehicle at current 7.3, with semi-automatic guided ATGMs.
In general, the 7.3-7.7 range is a mess in my suggestion. In this, I introduce more so balancing tanks with the ammunition they’re using. I think it is about time to consider what ammunition they fire in the matchmaking, and such. Combined with this, 7.3-7.7 has varying strengths of vehicles all mushed against each other. Of course, if there is a complaint on where I have placed vehicles in this, criticism is not only accepted but wanted.
8.0 is now 9.7, to put into perspective at what point BR decompression is at in this suggestion. Between 5.3 and 8.0, 1.7 BRs have been created, helping with the significant strength differences in uptiers and downtiers in this range, and creating 5 new BR slots, allowing for more micromanaged BR changes, which are not possible in the current system.
8.3-8.7 becomes some 9.7, but mostly 10.0-11.0. 7.3+ in this suggestion is the biggest changes in the BR system.
9.7 is BR 8.0 currently, and the absolute strongest 7.7s and weakest 8.3s.
10.0s are for the standard 8.3s (T-55A, T-62, M60A1).
10.3s are for the increased strength 8.3s, and the lowest strength 8.7s (M60A2, IT-1, Chieftain Mk.5, AMX-30B2).
10.7s are for the standard 8.7 tanks (Leopard A1A1, AMX-30B2 BRENUS).
11.0 are for the strongest 8.7s, and a couple weak 9.0s (T-55AM-1, Leopard A1A1 mit 120mm Rheinmetall L/44, Chieftain Mk.10)
Summary of the “Orange Range”
I believe the gameplay will change significantly for some of these vehicles in these ranges (hopefully for the better). This is my theory:
8.0-8.7
I believe this will be the last range of conventional gameplay. The strongest of WW2 tanks will be met with late ‘40s vehicles, and even medium tanks with weak HEAT-FS. But this range will not be as extreme as it is now. M60s will not be meeting Tiger IIs. This will be conventional style 1940 cold war tanks, low strength HEAT-FS tanks, vs WW2 era ‘Supertanks’ and prototypes.
9.0-11.0
I believe this will be very representative of the late 1950s and 1960s, early 1970s tanks. The proposed range I believe will be interesting, as there are tanks that can shoot off conventional style ammunition, however, int this range, it’ll be like the pre-composite armour era of War Thunder, where armour is pretty much just to slow down the shells at this point. With HEAT-FS and APDS, HESH, and APFSDS, these tanks will nearly pretty much ignore armour. Armour can stop some KEP ammunition most likely, however, I think it would be a very interesting rank to play, a reminder of when the best policy at top tier was ‘not to get hit’. Only with the Magach 3 for example, but mainly 10.7 and 11.0 is when defenses become these supershells start to become unreliably prevalent. ERA will be able to stop CE ammunition, or at least if they don’t hit gaps between the ERA. The T-55AM-1 and Chieftain Mk.10 would introduce composite armour, however, the entire tank are not made of this armour, and with plenty of gaps. But overall, this is what I expect, and what I hope, might be the product of this: this would be very interesting to see I think, a little range representative of the 1960s where armour could stop some APDS and APCBC, but overall armour is irrelevant, possibly leading to some creative gameplay.
Covers the majority of the 9.0-9.7 range in the current game, now 11.3-12.3.
11.3 covers most of 9.0 currently. This includes tanks like the XM-1 series, T-62M-1, and others.
11.7 contains upper 9.0 tanks and lower 9.3 tanks, such as the MBT/KPz 70 and the T-64A
Both above never have to fight top tier again. As I think it is fair to say, a T-64A vs a Type 90, or a XM-1 vs a T-80B obr. 1985, or even the M60 RISE vs a T-64B obr. 1984 is hardly a competitive fight.
12.0 is the product of the higher 9.3 range, and some of the 9.7 range. These include tanks that are better than other 9.3 counterparts, such as the T-72A, which is superior to the T-64A in almost every aspect, as for an example. Another includes the Challenger Mk. 2, at least in it’s current state. The AMX-40 was placed here, however, I am unsure of this as it does have the 2nd best ammunition in game, if I recall correctly.
12.3 is full 9.7 BR, with the T-64B obr. 1984, Challenger Mk.3, and Leopard 2K.
12.7 and 13.0 is 10.0, 13.0 being the top tier BR in this decompression suggestion, as of with the vehicles presented in 1.85.
12.7 includes the lower end of the range. This includes the M1 Abrams, and perhaps the T-80B obr. 1985, however, I have received the indication the T-80B was buffed since then, so I am unsure how to rank it. 12.7 also allows for more room for lesser 10.0 style vehicles, such as earlier Leopard 2s, Type 90 prototypes, T-80B obr. 1976 and/or obr. 1983, various T-72 tanks, and more. However, I believe even this suggestion for top tier is temporary, as to consider how unhistorical the vehicles are currently, and what we could see in the future of the game, I believe decompression of Cold War to even 14.0 or 15.0 (which isn’t entirely out of the question: for example, the T-90 during the April Fools event was 14.3) will be essential at some point, considering the ammunition we can see, and the sheer number of vehicles that could be represented in the future. But as of now, I am suggesting 13.0 as the top tier BR of War Thunder, where 13.0 would be home to the M1IP, possibly the T-80B obr. 1985, Type 90, and Leopard 2A4.
Over 13.0, would be the newer “Rank VII” tanks, which I have estimated up to 14.0, considering the current ammunition (high tier has rather unrealistic ammunition selection and penetration). As the M1IP is placed at 13.0, 13.3 would include the M1A1, with it’s superior 120mm L/44. 13.7 holds the T-80U, with it’s 125mm gun and strong armour, and 1250 HP engine many would consider it slightly stronger. This is also where assumably stronger tanks like the M1A1(HA) would go. 14.0 would include tanks like the Leopard 2A5, with it’s L/44 and 700+ mm of turret KEP protection, 1500 HP engine, etc. This is assuming current strength, with DM33, in my “future tank section”, a theoretical section showing BR decompression could still work, even with more modern tanks and more accurate ammo options, 14.3 might be more accurate with the realistic DM53 option this tank should receive in the future (once more powerful opponents are implemented obviously, such as the M1A2 series, Type 10, C1 Ariete WAR package, T-80UA and UE-1, and more).
Rank VII is mentioned, but overall ignored in this suggestion. There are simply not enough vehicles, as the Rank VII vehicles in game are few and not equal, and many more tanks of the late-cold war strength and early modern strength are required to extend this suggestion reliably post Rank VI.
SPAAGs and SAMs however are not mentioned, because this allows SPAAs to be balanced by the aircraft they face. The ZSU-57-2 was mentioned where it is, because there is not really a way to lower it due to it’s amazing anti-tank capabilities where it already is at, but SPAAs like the ZSU-23-4 for example have relatively weak penetration for their BR, so moving them around won’t really hurt ground forces. Because of this, they can be more likely to be balanced based on what jets they face: considering in this suggestion, jets would not be as high as top tier tanks, SPAA can be moved around more to match the jets they could face. Or they could stay at their relative BRs in the tech tree, which could work too.
https://gyazo.com/7fee144898d10f508a26df5964cb6adb
Not to spend too much time on this section, this is a suggested change on how helicopters could fit in this. However, I am unsure as a whole, as balancing helicopters is simply not possible as long as they can shoot unhistorical up to 8km with precision.
I balanced them loosely relative to each other, as well as to the tank BR decompression guideline.
As a demonstration that even if they added almost every Main Battle Tank we could possibly see in the future, this is a composition of future vehicles that might be a possibility in the future. I don’t know what Gaijin plans, I am not a modern vehicle expert, etc., but this is an example that it does work.
The vehicles presented go up to 15.0 BR, a nice and even BR achievable with future vehicles with the approximate shown setup. I also included a couple nations not represented that could possibly be an option in the future, to show it still works. I chose the following vehicles as “15.0”:
M1A2 SEP v2
Leopard 2A6M
Leopard 2A7
T-90MS
Challenger 2 TES
Type 10 (48T)(L/55)
Ariete Mk.2
Leclerc series XXI
Stridsvagn 122B+ (L/55) [Sweden]
Merkava IV [Israel]
Type 99A [China]
The reason I did not choose tanks like the T-14 is the simple fact that not every nation has a competitor, prototype or not. If I had to guess, if all vehicles were added, 16.0 would be more accurate
(US as example)
M1A2C (15.3)
M1A2D (15.7)
XM1A3 (16.0)
But the problem as mentioned, it is not possible without inventing tanks to say, for example, that every nation has a T-14 and XM1A3 competitor (which how much do we know about the XM1A3 to be fair?), so this is assuming top tier is a top tier that every nation can be balanced with.
But for the logic of proving that this form of BR decompression can fit with future vehicles if added, this is my interpretation on how future vehicles if added would work:
United States
https://gyazo.com/605fd682c2a3d6bf0d53ea2fd0b319ff
Germany
https://gyazo.com/d4b0a49d637a772bf7966c3217d1b3b8
Russia
https://gyazo.com/88bb65ffdd707deb3bd908e7c701f311
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/612baf5a9b50a03342481d39c21aee64
Japan
https://gyazo.com/443d123796c0753a039bc531d39c16d7
Italy
https://gyazo.com/46022fd4e0ab9c765a10035bbf1876e9
France
https://gyazo.com/6db24ebd06112ccdcc8835969e363d05
Sweden
https://gyazo.com/f83455516669dd323c00e0a9a083a378
Israel
https://gyazo.com/5fa9ddd9cf9ff8d1f3222aa611b0db33
People’s Republic of China
https://gyazo.com/d5ac9d34ed6d1e1f9e6c6f3748ecf941
For reference, these consider realistic ammunition and armour. The middle category lists the “best ammunition” this tank uses in this consideration, based on what is probably realistic.
But in this BR decompression situation, a clean even top tier BR is easily achievable, and can be balanced for all nations. However, some vehicles like the Russian T-14, German Leopard 2A7+, and future prototype vehicles like the M1A2D, XM1A3, and Leopard 2A8 are ignored due the simple idea that other nations simply do not have vehicles that could compete with them. They can be found in yellow on the side, because they are so strong, in at least for a War Thunder scenario.
But this version of top tier does show the possibility of a nice, clean top tier, 15.0 (it might be higher like 18.0 or so if they added World War I vehicles and stuff ever, at some point in the future, but in the current game this is the possible scenario). All nations have at least one top tier tank theoretically. And this scenario is not unrealistically high, this is completely supported by Gaijin themselves, years ago. In the Modern Tank April Fools event, with Leopard 2A5s vs T-90As, the T-90A was listed as “14.3 BR”, while I listed it as even 14.0 in this version. So this is a realistic moderate interpretation on how high tanks should go.
This is an estimate of what top tier could look like, to prove that BR decompression would improve the future game as well as current.
General Guideline
https://gyazo.com/76af8208046361a27bbcf3cbd463b550
United States
https://gyazo.com/7dfeff0e1f441d14c093fe5bd37c6659
Germany
https://gyazo.com/a10fcb95ea30daf05e5ca88706f6f019
Russia
https://gyazo.com/05d029bc9fda9361b1aa757e5a59e8f6
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/c51cc25fa9529d538dc9ffbe05abd2e9
Japan
https://gyazo.com/0ef1a5ddc6e95cf03136cc8e46f3f0a5
Italy
https://gyazo.com/697bf806173dc719ea5d45ca0be2526a
France
https://gyazo.com/8dc2cf2b6db5e2a5efbe6d84379e4ee4
”The Blue Range”
For 7.3-early 8.0, I did frankly just simple BR changes. One problem is I noticed, is jets used to be clumped at 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0 only: not all of them seem updated. Take for example, the Meteor series. Despite having progressively increasing performance, after the Mk.3 all the meteors were just clumped at 8.0 like before, like they never updated them. As there were plenty of better jets before 8.0, such as the F-84G with 1,000km/h top speeds and .50 cals (the maneuverability was taken into account). So to prove a progressing BR system 7.0-8.0, where vehicles being superior to other vehicles at the same BR happened less or at all, the meteors are the perfect example because now, the Meteor Mk.3 is 7.0, the Sea Meteor Mk.3 with marginal performance increases is 7.3, the Meteor Mk.4 G.41F having Me 262 level speeds was updated from 8.0 to 7.7, the Meteor Mk.4 G.41G being better than the 41F is 8.0, while the best meteor (Mk.8) is 8.3 (still 8.0 equivalent). Some but not all jets seemed that updated, which is the example I gave since, from personal experience, there are better jets at lower BRs than it, like they were updated.
Another example of a suggested BR change was the R2Y2s, to show that they could be progressive at their range. Since the R2Y2s do not have bomber spawn anymore, I don’t see the problem with the R2Y2 V1 going to 7.0, as it is rather comparable to the Me 262. While the R2Y2 V3 I suggested 7.7. This is an example, but now all vehicles that I am aware of 7.0-8.0 now have progressive BRs (obviously superior vehicles the same BR as other vehicles, although comparing other nation’s vehicles to other vehicles yields typically more opinions and stuff, the obvious examples like the 8.0 Meteors no longer are together: although this may in itself not be BR decompression, it perfectly accomplishes the goal given by decompression, which is to make all vehicles relevant again.
8.0 to 9.0 is where things change a little.
8.0 itself is split in half, allowing for inferior and superior 8.0s to have their own BRs. An example would be the IL-28 and the Tu-14T, the T-14T is statistically an inferior aircraft to the IL-28, yet the T-14T is probably too strong for 7.7 and the IL-28 fits at 8.0 with the faster and heavier payload bombers that in return lack rear cannons.
8.3 connects with “high 8.0” and has it’s own BR of 8.7. It also connects with low 8.7, as for example, take the best US 8.3 and compare it to the now 8.7 MiG-15, the MiG-15 has better performance, but the F9F-8 has 4 good 20mm cannons (I would say either slightly better than or equal to the 2 23mms+37mm), and now specifically can carry 4 sidewinder missiles, the MiG-15 (not bis) has better but slightly better performance, the F9F-8 has reliable 4 20mm cannons and a missile armament (a good one too, 4 sidewinders), rare at this BR.
8.7 splits into 9.0 and 9.3, which 9.3 intersects with low 9.0. An example would be the MiG-15 series and the F-86 series. The MiG-15 is at 9.0 (high 8.3, low 9.0 equivalent), and is inferior to the MiG-15bis and F-86s. Meanwhile, the MiG-15bis, the same BR as the MiG-15, is superior, yet inferior to the MiG-17 at 9.0, but, multiple strengths of jets exist at 9.0: take the F-86s. The F-86Fs are obviously superior to the F-86A, but the F-86A is still 9.0 with them. As the F-86A is the approximate equal to the MiG-15bis, it goes to 9.3 with the MiG-15bis and “high 8.7s, low 9.0s”.
9.0 itself is split in two, with low 9.0 goes to 8.7 as mentioned, and high 9.0 – the MiG-15, the F-86Fs, the Hunter F1, etc. go to 9.7.
7.3, 7.7 is essentially mostly the same, 8.0-9.0, (4 BR ranges, 8.0, 8.3, 8.7, and 9.0) is split for better balance, into 7 ranges (8.0, 8.3, 8.7, 9.0, 9.3, and 9.7). I honestly believe this will benefit all aircraft in this range, and will make all vehicles relevant again. Which of course as well, would limit brutal uptiering: Jets like the Meteor cannot face the MiG-17, the F-86A-6 doesn’t get the same matchmaker as the F-86F-2, F-25, and F-35, the F2H-2 doesn’t see anything better than a MiG-15 base, and more.
I tried to make this as accurate as possible to the best of my ability, but I must remind that I might not be right about every single BR of the aircraft, and people might not always agree that “X aircraft should be the approximate equal of Y aircraft.” But my ultimate point is here: this is a better system than we have. There are more BRs here now to split aircraft like the MiG-15 and MiG-15bis apart, and to make all aircraft in the tech tree relevant. Which if there is an imbalance, now with more BRs, it is easier to fix that imbalance as well. Not to mention, getting into the “Benefits of BR Decompression” section, as there are many, many more jets we can see in this range in the future, there are now more BRs for these vehicles to fit at.
”The Green Range
The simple case of splitting 9.3 and 9.7 into three BRs (10.0, 10.3, 10.7).
10.0 includes “low strength 9.3s”, used-to-be 9.0s, “just slightly better than 9.0” aircraft, and more, such as the CL-13a MK.5, F-86F-40.
10.3 is the midway, the high 9.3s, the weak 9.7s. This includes the upgraded CL-13b Mk.6, and the G.91YS.
10.7 includes the best 9.7s, such as the 1,400km/h+ F-100D, and the extremely well-armed transonic Hunter F6.
Doing this also, as mentioned, allows for more BR slots to add more of the many, many jets that can fit at these 3 BRs. We have barely scratched the surface I honestly believe, with many more F-86 variants, the massive amount of MiG-17s not represented, earlier MiG-19s and F-100s, more Hunters, and more and more jets. So this would benefit the current game as well as especially the future game.
”The Red Range”
Current 10.0, however as of this time, perhaps it is best to keep it as one BR. However, in the future, if they continue to add more jets of this strength, instead of continuing on (which would be nice), it might be better to decompress and balance for all nations in the game.
Currently there are only 3 10.0 aircraft in War Thunder, the MiG-19PT, the MiG-19S, and the T-2.
The MiG-19S does not have RADAR or air-to-air missiles like the MiG-19PT. However, it compensates for this with a much, much better top speed, climb, and performance. But it goes beyond compensation with an additional 30mm gun, giving it more firepower than the MiG-19PT. Thus, it is very close to say if they are balanced or not, as the MiG-19PT’s advantages may not be as effective as the MiG-19S’s advantages, but I do not know.
While the T-2 is the fastest jet in the game, with everything: RADAR, 20mm Gatling gun, two missiles, etc. Undoubtedly more effective than both below it, (note: “not invincible”, “I killed one last week so it isn’t overpowered”, but in the war thunder battlefield, statistically more effective overall). However, no aircraft of this strength is yet to be included outside of it, so logically it is understandable why it is this BR. (Just not understandable to be honest why no equal has been implemented to other nations after more than one update since it’s arrival. However, not the subject of this BR decompression suggestion).
I believe this, as well as more jets in the existing strength for all nations, will make jets more enjoyable. Frankly, and a lot of people I talked to at least seem to agree with me, there feels like there is little balance at all in jets. Which I believe fixing this will attract more people back to jets, since it is evident not as many people play jets: I mean, if you’re going to be facing obviously superior opponents, why should I play a MiG-17 fighting a T-2, for example? Not as many people seem to want to be in rotation at Jet BRs over than say, prop BRs.
As well, this would be in line with Tank BR decompression, to an extent.
Take the Me 262 C-2b, 8.3 in this suggestion. Compared to the MAUS in the tank section, the MAUS is 8.7. So the strongest, most powerful WW2 prototype vehicles as an example would fall relatively near the same BR. The same with the fictional Tiger II (10.5cm), which fits with the Me 262 C-1a.
Or the T-55A, a mid-1950s tank. The early ‘50s includes the MiG-17, which is 9.7, pretty close. Which if jets like, say the MiG-17F are added, assumably 10.0. It matches relatively closely with the year of ground vehicles, balance is more important but something is right if MiG-17Fs are flying over battlefields of T-55As. Much better than say, MiG-15Fs flying over 1980s T-62M-1s, something is wack obviously.
Expansion to 13.0-14.0 for ground forces, with air forces not exceeding much past 11.0, does give room for near future aircraft expansion as well. I imagine going into 4th generation aircraft might be a nightmare, but up to 13.0/14.0 easily gives room for future 2nd generation aircraft, and 3rd generation like the MiG-21bis, early MiG-23, F-4 Phantom II, and more. Maybe by then, we’ll have more ground vehicles, more players, and more, maybe even more decompression or something for tanks to fit with planes or something. That’s far future, but just pointing out the long term benefits of this system.
This section was to include potentially new future vehicles we could see in the current Rank V-VI range, and maybe even Rank VII (3rd generation?) – like the future tank section, to prove that BR decompression not only can stand future progression of the game, but improve said progression. However after editing, this section is not here for now, but may or may not be in the future – but the important part, what is in game, is here and that is what matters.
A minor increased Que times for Rank III-VI
With the advent of 1.0 to 10.0 changing to 1.0 to 13.0, this means there should be an average que time change of +30% theoretically.
1.0-5.0
There should be very little change in this region, with BR Decompression. If there is a minor difference, it might be because some of the more experienced players are playing high tier again, since it will be (hopefully) more fun.
5.3-8.7
5.3 to 8.7 changes to 5.3 to 11.0. This means theoretically, the BR range increases approximately by 67%, meaning it is possible, hypothetically, we could see a 67% increases in que times. So, for example, a 1 minute que time now becomes 1 minute and 40 seconds. So this brings up a question: would you wait 1 minute and 40 seconds to not fight a T-54 obr. 1951 in a Panther II?
9.0-10.0
9.0 to 10.0 now changes to 11.3 to 13.0. This means theoretically, the BR range increases approximately by 70%, meaning it is possible, hypothetically, we could see a 70% increase in que times. So for example, a 1 minute and 30 second que time can become a 2 minute 33 second que time. This means you would have to wait, in this situation, 63 seconds longer, in return for not fighting T-80Bs in your M60A1 RISE, M1IPs in your T-64A, Type 90s in your Chieftain Mk.10, etc.
Essentially, in theory, one can consider que times as a resource. For the 5.3-10.0 range, the average rate of change is an approximate 64% increase in this range. You are essentially trading in probably, say 20-120 seconds in a increased que time, hypothetically, in return for many vehicles not being hopelessly outclasses in many cases when experiencing a full 1.0 uptier. A Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus fighting a T-55AM-1 essentially means unless the T-55 is caught off guard (which superior mobility and stabilizer can actually minimize this issue some), a T-55AM-1 doesn’t just have the minor advantage a tank 1.0 BR above the another tank typically has, but the T-55AM-1 has a undeniably large advantage, with its already strong-to-conventional-ammunition 100mm RHA angled upper frontal plate, and it’s rounded 180mm rounded turret, the composite on top of that makes the tank immune at all but closer ranges, which at close range, the Maus needs to aim at specific points for penetration. Among this, said Maus has it’s armoured nullified by the 3BM25 APFSDS sabot round carried by said T-55AM, but as well as the 650mm penetrating Anti-Tank Guided Missile that can obliterate the Maus up to 4km, at essentially any angle. The Maus has no advantage as it’s other main category in the trio, mobility, is pathetic in comparison. I do not need to describe the mobility of a tank that weighs more than a loaded B-52H Stratofortress.
Considering I do not believe the majority of the playerbase is in the mindset “I must get in a battle now, I have to leave for work in 5 minutes”, I believe this will be a change accepted by a vast majority of the playerbase. Considering battles never last shorter than really 5 minutes, and often last 10 to 15 minutes, a single minute or two minute increase in que time, maximum, if not a few seconds or a couple dozen seconds increase, would hardly even be that noticeable, and an excellent trade for the change to not fight a Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II (H) Ausführung B Königstiger in an Assault Tank M4A3E2 (76) W Sherman Jumbo.
The major, obvious advantage would be all vehicles being able to compete in an uptier or a downtier, as this is not the case in the current game. Once you reach high Rank III or above, one starts to find as a whole that fighting vehicles in a full +1.0 uptier, and in some cases even a +0.7 uptier, is no longer overall that much of a competitive ordeal. Although these tanks can kill each other, facing a T-44 or a T34 heavy tank in say, a Tiger feels like if you were fighting tanks 1.0 or 1.3 BR higher than yourself at a lower tier. Or if fighting a M60A1 in an IS-3, the IS-3 can still kill the M60 with a well-placed shot, it no longer as a whole that competitive with a heavy tank that can be penetrated and crew destroyed instantly with 400mm HEAT-FS penetration from a Main Battle Tank with armour making it largely resilient to a 122mm, superior mobility, superior reloading time, as well as a full stabiliser system. Another more obvious one that I see often would be the Tiger II mit 10.5cm KwK L/68, which theoretically seems to be equal to tanks like the T32, however, it is often hated due to the enemies it faces mainly in uptiers. However, for the most part, I do not think I need to explain this more, as I have in detailed many times earlier, as well as anyone who has played high tier would understand.
Another advantage of BR decompression would be the breaking up of “Black Hole” battle ratings, where a large number of vehicles reside that players like to play, causing often uptiers and downtiers. A major example would be 5.7 BR. Many tanks and players reside at 5.7, however, in this suggestion, 5.7 has been sliced into two main BRs, some of the more powerful comparable to 6.0s into a third. Although I am not sure if this would “solve” these “Black Hole” BRs, but this surely will help them, as the playerbase will be slightly split between two or more BRs. Similar cases can be seen at 6.7, 7.7, and more.
A third advantage would be making more vehicles relevant, compared to the previous scenarios. An example would be a minor, but relevant change, the Tiger H1 to the Tiger E. The Tiger E is armed with APCR as a backup shell, and a hull mounted machine gun, but the main upgrade that I do believe qualifies for a +0.3 BR difference would be the increased frontal armour on the lower frontal plate. Before, if people remember before the Tiger E, the lower frontal plate was the biggest weakspot as it’s large size and it’s post penetration often resulted with transmission damage at minimum, if not killing the entire crew, which was an often result for it’s death. However, now with an additional 30mm of armour to the lower frontal plate, it is no longer a weakspot for the tank. The smaller upper superstructure is now the preferred place to shoot, and I believe this difference is enough for a 0.3 BR adjustment. Which is also solidified by the vehicle’s mobility. With no real difference to the vehicle’s weight, the Tiger E has a 700 HP engine, meanwhile, the Tiger E has a 650 HP engine. Increased frontal armour and a more powerful engine makes the Tiger H1 frankly irrelevant. There is no reason to take this tank out really, other than if you simply don’t have the Tiger E, or you need a backup and you’re not a Panther kind of person. BR Decompression will fix this, as I believe all tanks should be relevant in some fashion, and the Tiger H1 simply isn’t
Which the Tiger H1 isn’t the only example, this does not adhere to a single tank. Another obvious example would be the Tiger II Sla.16, which is the exact same scenario: more side armour this time (turret), AA MG (granted this part is probably irrelevant), and the same +50 HP engine increase. The Tiger II Sla.16 as we probably agree is not at all worthy of 7.0, meanwhile, the Tiger II (H) at 6.3 would be an utter slaughter. There is no 6.8 BR, or any of that fancy stuff. This also applies to tanks like the T29, which is superior to the T34 and T30, with very high penetrating ammunition with the same chassis, however if you compare it to 7.0 tanks, the same situation arises of it not being the greatest of 7.0. Continuations include the T32 vs the T32E1, the Ru-251 vs the T92, T-72A vs the T-64A, and more, this is not a rare thing. Tanks that are obviously better than others exist at the same battle rating, but they cannot move up without making the tank obsolete, but cannot be moved down without making the tanks lower than it obsolete, thus have no place to go. There are several defining features, like the breaking up “Black Hole” BRs and a few to follow, but this is probably the most defining feature of why battle rating decompression is better in every aspect to changing to a +/-0.7 or +/-0.3 system, because it can do everything these systems can do, but better, and can do way, way more than these systems can do.
Another major feature of Battle Rating Decompression is to create more ‘in between’ battle ratings that can fit new vehicles. An example I bet Gaijin Entertainment had to discuss was where to put the T32E1 when it was first added. It was better than the 7.0 counterpart, but worse than the heavy tanks that reside at 7.3. The same applies to just recently when they added the T-72A, where it is better or equal to the T-64A in almost every aspect, but undoubtedly inferior to the T-64B obr. 1984. So I can imagine that this idea is not new to them, I know they have encountered this: we have a vehicle that we need to fit in, but there is no place to fit it. BR Decompression can solve or at least help this situation. For example: speaking of the T-64, Gaijin in the past explicitly said that they would like to eventually have every variant of the T-64. But I have to say now, and ask how are they going to implement them. Currently, the T-64A resides at 9.3, while that T-64B obr. 1984 / BV (the best [Soviet] T-64 to the best of my knowledge) resides at 9.7. So if they added every single T-64 right now, I must ask how they plan on fitting 4 T-64 variants that I can think of that would be better than the T-64A and worse than the T-64B (1984) into the game. This is extremely clear at high tier, as they have skipped literally hundreds of vehicles in the rush to 1980s and 1990s vehicles. There is a large arsenal of vehicles not represented, that if they modeled and tried to implement, there is no logical place for them, because you might find that tank that is better than the 8.3 counterpart is worse than the 8.7, and there is no 8.5 battle rating in game.
Or naming specific vehicles as an example, lets say they want to add the T-34-85 obr. 1945 and T-34-85 obr. 1946. The T-34-85 (1945) is more powerful than the 1944 in game. So it goes to 6.0? It isn’t that strong, so it probably will go to 5.7. Now again, you have two tanks of different strengths being the same BR. Then the T-34-85 (1946) could go 6.0, with APCBC to help it perhaps, but even still it there is 0.3 away from the T-44, which has double the armour, same gun, and same mobility – a lot of difference for a 0.3 difference, and as well you have 2 different tanks at 5.7. This isn’t including the 1960 and 1969 (T-34-85M), which would have to be the same BR as the 1946 or as the T-44. Meanwhile, there are perfect places for the T-34s in BR decompression: T-34-85 (DT) is 5.3, T-34-85 (1944) is 5.7 (low current 5.7), T-34-85 (1945) is 6.0 (high 5.7), T-34-85 (1946) is 6.3 (low 6.0), T-34-85 (1960) is 6.7 (low 6.3/high 6.0)(I don’t see why not early 85mm HEAT-FS for the BR), T-34-85M is 7.0 with the T-44 (T-44 is same speed with double armour, but 85M could get HEAT-FS to compensate?). This isn’t possible in the current system without having multiple vehicles the same BR.
Or another Russian example: lets say they add the T-90A next update. It would be 10.0 assembly. Now let’s assume they want to give every T-72/90 in between. 9.3 is the T-72A, 10.0 is T-90A. Tanks that can fit between, T-72/90s only – T-72B obr. 1984, T-72B obr. 1985, T-72B obr. 1989, T-90. This is excluding the T-72BU prototype and the T-72BA/B2/B3s. Now where would they go?
Without rewriting the BR system to include 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, etc., there is only one other solution I can conceivably think of: BR Decompression.
+/- 0.7 matchmaker
A +/-0.7 matchmaker is the idea of changing the matchmaker, which currently in almost all gamemodes except for Simulator Battles (does it’s own thing currently), Helicopter Battles, and Air Arcade Battles (a formula it follows does allow for in some cases, a +/-1.3 system) follows a +/-1.0 matchmaking system. This would reduce the BR spread of the matchmaker, providing a more forgiving uptier system. However, this follows the same issue of increasing que times. But, this doesn’t just increase que times to the effected region, but to the entire spread.
Because of the nature of a +/-0.7 system, this is applied to all battle ratings in the game. Doing this will increase que times in say, low tier battles, and effect the spread of low tier battles. But this is unnecessary. As I have mentioned in my examples of the evidence of BR compression, the difference between tanks in a full 1.0 difference is extremely minimal, this means the Pz IV C that has only 20mm of armour and penetration difference won’t even see the F1 that is pretty much the exact same tank performance wise. I do not even notice when I get uptiered or downtiered when playing in the 1.0-4.3 region, it isn’t until like 4.7 when I actually start paying attention to see if I have been uptiered to 5.7 or not. Changing low tier in it’s current state I believe is completely unnecessary, to ‘fix’ high tier with this system, you’re unnecessarily, and I would go as far as saying, negatively impacting pretty much over half of the entire matchmaking system (1.0-5.3 requires almost no change).
Moreover, even when it comes to ‘fixing’ the high tier system, which I am using ‘’ on purpose, even it cannot do it as good as BR decompression does. Everything a +/- 0.7 system does, BR decompression can do better. In a BR decompression situation, the BR range can be compressed and decompressed at certain points to accommodate the range, while a 0.7 system is equal at all BRs. So for example, perhaps 5.7-6.3 say needs less BR decompression than 8.3-9.0 does. In some places, like 1.0-5.3, it can retain the standard system, while at say 5.7-6.7, it can do moderate BR decompression, maybe 7.0-7.3 needs only light BR decompression, while 7.7 needs major BR decompression. Just as an example, BR decompression is more dynamic and can be applied differently, while a 0.7 system is not flexible. The +/- 0.7 system essentially is a simple solution, while BR Decompression is a more complex but better working in every aspect solution; which I do believe complex issues require complex solutions.
+/-0.3 System
Same as the +/-0.7 system, but even more impractical. This is a massive que time increase at all tiers, more so than any BR decompression or +/-0.7 system, and is completely inflexible and simple. Again, BR decompression can do it way better, while not waiting 13 minutes a match for a game with only 3 players on each side.
+/-0.0 System (no spread, no uptiering)
No.
Combined BRs of 74 different combinations.
11 gamemodes.
4 servers.
Discluding time of day variations in the matchmaker.
It won’t work. You would need the playerbase of WoT + COD + Battlefield + and more to consider this, and not get a horrendous matchmaker, I don’t think even the most hardcore players would wait 45 minutes for a battle.
Player Determined BR Spread (Slider)
It has been suggested before to have a ‘slider’, where a player can pre-determine what the BR spread they want to be placed in. The concept sounds like a good compromise, and actually a fairly smart idea: allow the players to choose their own +/-X BR system. However, the more you think about this, even this idea is not as good as BR Decompression, and wouldn’t work well in reality (as reality is often disappointing).
First of all, obvious one: que time increases in all gamemodes. However, it would be more so than the +/-0.7 system, as lots of players might choose the .7 system, but there would be those who choose the 0.3 or 0.0 system than those would probably would leave it in a 1.0 system.
Another disadvantage of this system would be those trolling with a large BR spread with a low tier vehicle. Those rare numbers might choose a 1.3 spread in some cases might do so for higher que times, but this also puts your team at an disadvantage. Meanwhile, you’ll always have that guy who sets the slider to max and now you have a BT-7 or a Sturmpanzer II fighting Abrams. Which you can do now, but you either need a high tier vehicle to uptier yourself, (or a squadmate), so meaning in most cases, you’re probably not a noob and you still have some inkling on what you’re doing. But in this system, you can have Billy Bob Joe in his M3A1 fight a T-72A when his best tank ever in any line up is 2.3 or so.
Combined with all this, this system doesn’t take much to break down. So you have the players who choose no spread, or little spread. Meanwhile, you have the players with .7 or 1.0 spread. Because the matchmaker cannot uptier the ones who choose no spread, the no spreads are at the top of the matchmaker in every single game. Which then they have no choice to always uptier the .7 and 1.0+ spread players to them, because they can be uptiered, and the others cannot at all. So players who set to say a 0.7 spread in their tiger are doomed to face T-44s 90% of matches or so. At some point, those players get tired of it, and they set their spread to 0.3 or 0.0. Now, you got even more players with no spread, so the players who remain at .7 or 1.0 get uptiered even more and more, since the game has no choice since the no-spreads cannot be uptiered. Which having almost every game an uptier, the even less .7 or 1.0 spreads then set their spread to 0.0 or 0.3, causing even more no-spread players, meaning the even fewer 0.7 and 1.0 players are uptiered every single battle, causing them to get tired of it, and so on. Until at some point, 90-95% of the playerbase then to not be literally uptiered every single battle must have a 0.0 or 0.3 spread. Then, the game just dissolves to the no-spread scenario – and que times are horrendous, taking many, many, many minutes to find a battle, new players are bored of the que times at lower tiers (which by the way, a 0.3 or 0.7 system lowers que times at lower tiers, and newer players have lower attention spans? Hurting the growth of the game), which less and less players are wanting to join, and it is just a mess.
Essentially, every single case, 0.7, 0.3, 0.0, or dynamic BR spreads, results in much, much more chaos than BR decompression. BR Decompression does not affect early game, has all the benefits of the different spreads, benefits the previously mentioned systems cannot even do, and has a very controllable change to the matchmaker at only a select range.
Separation of World War II vehicles from Post War
Seems strait forward enough, but it has it’s issues.
>Maus and IS-4M would dominate everything, except for the IS-7, which would dominate everything.
>PT-76, AMX-13, BTR-152A, R3, and more, where would they go?
>Does nothing to address BR compression between different WW2 era tanks and cold war on cold war tanks (example: M4A3E2 (76) W vs Jagdtiger, Leopard 1A0 vs T-55AM-1).
>What defines WW2?
It’s not really a BR change as it is a statement. You separate WW2 and Cold War. Ok, what else? There isn’t much change here, other than causing confusion on what fights what.
Year based Matchmaker
I think this would be cool… in Simulator Battles.
But, in Arcade and Realistic, it has it’s issues. First of all, Chi-Has vs M4A1s, or Königstigers vs T-34 obr. 1942s is an issue. In fact Tiger II (H)s vs T-34-85s is kind of an issue, as the T-34 has the penetration of the Panzer IV and has 45mm of RHA, while the Tiger II can penetrate it at 3km+ and is immune frontally except at point blank with APCR. It has plenty of issues, I think some balances can be done to make it fun if it was done, in say, a Simulator Battle Enduring Confrontations style event or something, but in the setup of Random Battles, it isn’t that viable in reality for the playerbase as a whole.
I don’t know if everyone would agree on what top BR should the game be decompressed to or not. However, whether this suggestion is the preferred or not, I believe BR decompression would be the best balancing factor for the game Rank III-VI. The ultimate point is some form of decompression I believe is better than none, whether you think it should be only done to 11.0 or 12.0 say, or the extreme side I often here is a full 20.0 BRs (like the old tier system).
However, I constantly say “BR Decompression could fix this”, as I do believe every rank 3-6 balance issue can be at least addressed if not fixed by BR decompression. So, this is an attempt in the “how” aspect.
I would like expressed disagreements with the battle ratings, I am for sure it’s not perfect. I want to improve this, especially posting on the official forums. Suggestions regarding vehicles listed as “not enough information” would be accepted. This usually means I do not have enough information, experience (in or fighting it), or more with the vehicle. As example: the T114 is listed under this, because I neither have it, nor fight it enough to form a personal opinion on it, as well as, know enough about the vehicle to estimate its location. As mentioned earlier, Italy has been skipped due to it being new, and work on this suggestion started before Italian ground vehicles were even announced. I do hope to include it as well, as some things I have heard and seen about Italy does to sound to be BR compression issues (Example: M26A1 being slightly better than the M26, but being undoubtedly inferior at 6.7).
To place all picture parts of the suggestion in the same location, here are the links to the different nations again:
Ground Tree
General Guideline
https://gyazo.com/b525429a12fd56e283c0660697e3559f
United States
https://gyazo.com/7a1dc4de51ca1e738b970ece0e10e587
Germany
https://gyazo.com/b903643228b142d28b903e401fea3e68
Russia
https://gyazo.com/ecd835014cc4df2c00aa812b047fb4a4
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/213b3f924ebddee14b1b8adcc887e2d7
Japan
https://gyazo.com/ad4270835ea8a34f79f82211acc6de83
Italy
https://gyazo.com/464d014b2f902844799acc57accbb551
France
https://gyazo.com/5b899c712ca29f9e9c7a7af02cf541cf
Helicopters
https://gyazo.com/7fee144898d10f508a26df5964cb6adb
Ground Tree (Potential Future)
United States
https://gyazo.com/11f359bc97f4da47e49c9771be5a758a
Germany
https://gyazo.com/d4b0a49d637a772bf7966c3217d1b3b8
Russia
https://gyazo.com/88bb65ffdd707deb3bd908e7c701f311
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/612baf5a9b50a03342481d39c21aee64
Japan
https://gyazo.com/443d123796c0753a039bc531d39c16d7
Italy
https://gyazo.com/46022fd4e0ab9c765a10035bbf1876e9
France
https://gyazo.com/6db24ebd06112ccdcc8835969e363d05
Sweden
https://gyazo.com/f83455516669dd323c00e0a9a083a378
Israel
https://gyazo.com/5fa9ddd9cf9ff8d1f3222aa611b0db33
People's Republic of China
https://gyazo.com/d5ac9d34ed6d1e1f9e6c6f3748ecf941
Air Tree (current)
General Guideline
https://gyazo.com/76af8208046361a27bbcf3cbd463b550
United States
https://gyazo.com/7dfeff0e1f441d14c093fe5bd37c6659
Germany
https://gyazo.com/a10fcb95ea30daf05e5ca88706f6f019
Russia
https://gyazo.com/05d029bc9fda9361b1aa757e5a59e8f6
United Kingdom
https://gyazo.com/c51cc25fa9529d538dc9ffbe05abd2e9
Japan
https://gyazo.com/0ef1a5ddc6e95cf03136cc8e46f3f0a5
Italy
https://gyazo.com/697bf806173dc719ea5d45ca0be2526a
France
https://gyazo.com/8dc2cf2b6db5e2a5efbe6d84379e4ee4
I would also like to thank deadmike for the introduction to Gyazo, which my previous system for linking pictures about the suggestion resulted in the picture being so blurry, that the numbers and names were barely readable, making the suggestion void due to unreadability.
NOTE: As I have mentioned, this is not expected to be 100% perfect, this is about why BR compression exists, and why BR decompression would fix many balance issues Rank III+ ground forces, and Rank V+ air forces.
Update 18-7-2019:
Added Leclerc (>13.0)
Added C1 Ariete (>13.0)
Added F-86K (10.0 or 10.3)
Added Type 16 (11.7 or 12.0)
Added Hunter F.6 to Aircraft Current (11.0)
Added French Helicopters (Not Enough Information)
Added AH-1S (Not Enough Information)
Edited Hunter F.6 (11.3)
Edited Hunter F.2 (10.3)
Edited Hunter F.4 (10.7)
Edited Hunter F.5 (11.0)
Edited Gloster Javelin (9.7 or 10.0)
Edited T-64B obr. 1984 (12.3)
Edited Tiger II (P) (7.0)
Edited T32 (8.3)
Edited T32E1 (8.7)
Edited FlaKpanzer V Coelian (SPAAG)
Edited Twin 40mm SPG M42 Duster (SPAAG)
Edited M42 Duster SDF (SPAAG)
Edited T95 GMC (8.3)
Edited ISU-152 (5.7)
Edited ISU-152S (6.0)
Edited T-10M (9.7 or 10.0)
Edited Sho't Kal Dalet (10.3 or 10.7)
Edited AMX-40 (12.3)
Edited AMX-13 (6.3)
Edited Heavy Tank No.6 (6.0)
Edited Centurion Mk.1 (6.0 or 6.3)
Edited SU-85 (4.3 or 4.7)
Edited Sho't Kal Dalet (10.0)
Edited Chi-To (4.3)
Edited Chi-To Late (4.7)
Edited T28 SHT (7.7)
Edited AMX-13 (SS.11) (7.0)
Edited M1A1 (13.3)
Edited Leopard 2A5 (14.0)
Edited T-80U (13.7)
Edited Challenger 2 (13.3)
Edited "More Accurate" Type 90 (13.7)
Edited C1 Ariete (13.7)
Edited Leclerc C1 (13.7)
Edited 10.0 on "General Guidline" (12.7-14.0)
Made two Javelins in graph (current performance and realistic performance)
Moved XM-1 to Rank "VI+"
Moved T-55AM-1 to Rank "VI+"
Moved Sho't Kal Dalet to Rank "VI+"
Fixed typo saying Rank VI Jets was Rank VII
General text edits
Added an entirely new section, listing potential future modern tanks and how they fit into the system.
Update 1-8-2019:
Completely new, easy to read format for the BR Decompression Suggestion charts
Added Shturm-S (11.7)
Added Stormer HVM (SPAAG)
Added Brummbär (4.7)
Added Type 75 (8.0)
Added Type 16 (12.0)
Added AMX-50 Surblindé (9.0 or 9.3)
Added Roland 1 (SPAAG)
Added Super AMX-30 (10.7)
Added M901 (10.7)
Edited M551 (9.7)
Edited T54E1 (9.3 or 9.7)
Edited T95 (8.0 or 8.3)
Edited Ostwind (4.0 or 4.3)
Edited T-V (6.3)
Edited T-44-100 (8.0)
Edited SU-100 (6.7)
Edited Tortoise (7.3)
Edited FV4005 Stage II (7.3)
Edited Crusader AA Mk.II (3.7)
Edited Chi-Ri (5.0)
Edited M47 (105/55) (9.0)
Edited AMX-13-90 (8.0)
Edited M1A2 (FTT), changed M829A3 to M829A2
Edited Leopard A1A1 mit L/44 to Rank VI
Edited Merkava Mk.I (10.7)
Edited Warrior (9.3 or 9.7)
Edited Type 60 SPRG (7.3)
Edited M113 (TOW) (10.3)
Edited B1 ROMOR (12.0)
Edited OF-40 (9.0)
Edited OF-40 Mk.2A (10.7)
Edited OF-40 (MTCA) (11.0)
Edited Ariete (P) (12.3)
Edited ARL-44 (6.0)
Edited ARL-44 (ACL-1)
Edited Lorraine 40t (8.7)
Edited Char 25t (7.3)
Edited AMX M4 (7.3)
Edited AMX-50 (8.3)
Edited CA Lorraine (7.0)
Edited AMX-50 Foch (8.7)
Edited AMX-10RC (9.7)
Edited AMX-13 (HOT) (10.7)
This should give a battle rating to every vehicle on this suggestion
Overhaul on Aircraft section
Gave battle ratings to all French and Japanese helicopters
Posted as new discussion on Steam forums, to accommodate future edits as because of the character limits
General text edits